French Onion Mac 'n' Cheese

  • 4

Ingredients

  • 4 TBL butter
  • 2 lg. onions, very thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp grd. thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • S & P
  • 1 lb penne rigate
  • 2 TBL flour
  • 1 C chicken stock
  • 1 C whole milk
  • freshly grated nutmeg
  • 3/4 LB gruyere cheese, shredded

Preparation

Step 1

in skillet, melt 2 TBL butter over med-high heat
stir in onions, thyme & bay leaf for 5 min
season w/ S & P
lower heat & cook until onions are browned, 10-15 min
transfer to plate & discard bay leaf
reserve skillet

meanwhile, bring lg. pot of water to boil
salt it
add pasta
cook until al dente
drain & return to pot

in reserved skillet, melt remaining 2 tBL butter over med heat
whisk in flour for 1 min
then whisk in chicken stock & milk
bring to boil
season w/ S & P & nutmeg
lower heat & cook until thickened, abt 5 min
stir in cheese until melted

combine onions & sauces w/ pasta & toss well.